What should you know about terrible sunburn?

Sunburn is an inflammatory injury caused by ultraviolet exposure. The affected skin may feel hot, tight, sore, or unusually sensitive, and discomfort can become more noticeable after the exposure ends. Fluid-filled blisters signal deeper skin injury; do not puncture them. Peeling later is the body shedding damaged surface cells, not a sign that further sun exposure is safe.

Sunburn can affect any exposed area, including the scalp, ears, lips, shoulders, chest, and legs. Severe exposure may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, feverishness, weakness, or fainting. The extent of redness is not a reliable measure of how unwell someone is.

Move out of the sun and cool the skin with a cool, damp cloth or a cool shower. Avoid ice directly on the skin. Drink fluids, wear loose soft clothing, and leave blisters intact. Apply a bland moisturiser or an emollient after cooling if it does not sting; avoid fragranced products, petroleum-heavy products on fresh heat, and scrubbing or pulling peeling skin.

A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable pain relief for you, taking account of allergies, pregnancy, age, and other medicines. Protect the area from more ultraviolet exposure while it heals. Do not use topical corticosteroids or antibiotic creams on blistered skin unless a clinician specifically recommends them.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for extensive blistering, severe swelling, worsening pain, pus, spreading redness, or signs of infection. Seek urgent help for fainting, confusion, persistent vomiting, marked weakness, trouble drinking, very little urine, or difficulty breathing. A baby or young child with a significant sunburn should be assessed promptly. Sunburn involving the eyes, face, hands, or genitals also deserves medical advice.

Ask whether the burn needs a dressing, which pain relief is suitable, how to care for any blisters, and which changes would suggest infection or dehydration. Mention when the exposure occurred, the areas involved, any medicines used, and symptoms such as dizziness or vomiting.